Phillipsburg Putting Final Touches On Firehouse Plans

Recommendations about what to do with some of Phillipsburg's aging firehouses and fire-fighting equipment will probably be released in about 4-6 weeks, Mayor Philip Mugavero said last night.

Mugavero said the committee formed to study possible locations for a new firehouse to house two or more of the town's six fire companies is looking at about four or five possible sites, but also cautioned that renovation of existing buildings can't be completely ruled out.

Mugavero serves on the committee formed in July along with Town Manager Peter Miller, Fire Chief Albert Pianelli and Jerry Teabo, a member of Lincoln Engine Co.

The committee's recommendations are being written up now and Mugavero added the group may hold one more meeting to discuss the findings before they are made public. The recommendations will be ranked, the mayor said, and may be released at a special meeting.

Councilman Francis Reilly broached the subject at last night's council session, saying action must be taken on the firehouse issue this year. Two of the firehouses, Alert Hook and Ladder and Reliance Hose, are about a century old and doubts have been raised about the feasibility of renovating them to accommodate larger and heavier modern fire equipment.

Reilly said there are times when Alert's 30-year-old aerial truck is not serviceable.

"We really have to get on this this year and make sure there's progress," Reilly said.

Mugavero said the possibility of getting state or federal funds for the firehouse project is being explored. "We're kind of in a Catch-22 situation," Mugavero said. "If we don't build a new firehouse, we don't have anywhere to put the truck."

A 1982 study said Alert and Reliance,both on Chambers Street about a block from each other, were "obsolete" and not cost-efficient in terms of renovation. Reliance members oppose any move, while Alert members say they would move if necessary, but would like to stay if renovations can be worked out. Most firemen live close to the companies they are associated with and some argue that moving the firehouse will cut down on valuable response time.

In other matters last night, Mugavero announced the town will be getting $53,000 from the state for work on Lewis Street, from Hudson to Heckman. The money is coming from the state's Transportation Trust Fund Authority Act.

According to a letter from John Sheridan, commissioner of the State Department of Transportation, the program is expected to run for the next three years. Phillipsburg had submitted grant applications in October totalling over $849,000 for portions of six streets. The Lewis Street application was the only one approved this year. Sheridan's letter said a contract for the work must be awarded by Sept. 1.

Three new policemen have been hired and will start Jan. 21, Mugavero revealed last night. The three men, Richard Halley, Gerald Taylor and Glen Benitez, will all start at a salary of $18,601. The addition of the trio brings the police force up to 30 men.

Money for the additional policemen had been included in the 1984 budget.

Council also gave final approval to hikes in fees for retail consumption and distribution licenses, sewer connection permits and sewage disposal permits. The new fees, with old fees in parentheses, are: retail consumption and retail distribution licenses $906 ($823); single-family sewer connection $50 ($25); multi-family or commercial sewer connection $100 ($50); industrial sewer connection $200 ($100); disposal of sewage such as from septic tanks $140 ($40) and sewagehauling license, $150 for the first truck and $50 for each additional truck ($50 for the first truck and $10 for each additional truck).